Metric coarse · cutting tap · nominal dimensions
M3 × 0.5
tap drill size.
For M3 × 0.5, the reference drill is 2.5 mm: 0.0984 in (2.500 mm).
The reference value is kept separate from the 70% and 75% calculated targets. Actual fit still depends on thread class, tool, material, runout, and the hole you really make.
Detail A · basic 60° profile
What the percentage describes.
“Theoretical full thread %” is radial thread height from nominal geometry. It is not axial engagement length and not a fit-class acceptance measurement.
Real drill alternatives
Neighboring sizes.
These are diameter neighbors, not silent recommendations. A positive delta makes a larger hole and a lower nominal theoretical percentage; a negative delta does the opposite.
| Bit | System | Diameter | Delta | Calculated full thread |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #40 | number | 0.0980 in / 2.489 mm | -0.0004 in | 78.6% |
| #39 | number | 0.0995 in / 2.527 mm | +0.0011 in | 72.8% |
| #41 | number | 0.0960 in / 2.438 mm | -0.0024 in | 86.5% |
| #38 | number | 0.1015 in / 2.578 mm | +0.0031 in | 65.0% |
| 2.4 mm | metric | 0.0945 in / 2.4 mm | -0.0039 in | 92.4% |
| 2.6 mm | metric | 0.1024 in / 2.6 mm | +0.0039 in | 61.6% |
Why 3D is useful here
A thread is a helix, not a row of triangles.
Load a draggable cutaway to see the continuous internal thread. Exact diameter and profile comparisons remain in the 2D drawing above.
Evidence and limits
Why this row says cross-checked.
Tap-drill row: Rows tagged with this source were matched to a named 65% or 75% cutting-tap column. The discrete drill can calculate to a slightly different percentage from nominal dimensions.
60° geometry: Public primary reference for Unified and metric 60-degree thread geometry. The percentage-thread equation is a theoretical basic-profile calculation, not a fit or torque guarantee.
Open National Institute of Standards and Technology geometry source
The repository also records 11 source records and a dataset version on every page.